GuitarSkool

Proper left hand alignment and positioning is critical for proper technique. Here are some tips.

• The hand and fingertips should be parallel with the fingerboard as much as possible.
• The thumb should be placed behind the second (middle) finger and in the middle of the neck.
• The wrist should be straight (in line with arm) and not arched.
• The arm and elbow should move the hand in position changes – not the wrist.
• Keep space between the fingers (not touching) as much as possible, especially 2 and 3.
• You should play on the left side of the first finger, slightly on the left of 2, slightly on the right side of 3 and on the left side of 4.

I hope these tips will help you become a better more confident player.

I am developing a series of exercises to help set and establish the left hand and will offer them here soon.

An excellent book for exercises to help improve your technique is Scott Tennant’s Pumping Nylon.

Here’s to better playing!